Three Hundred Things a Bright Boy Can Do

by Unknown

To turn to worm-fishing. It is, of course, comparatively easy to get a few fish with a worm, but it takes a practised hand to take a basketful, even from thick water. A couple of shot will generally be enough, and they should be about a foot from the hook, which should be large, unless you use the Stewart tackle, which consists of two or three small hooks. A small marsh worm is considered best, but a brandling or a red worm will answer; or in a flood the tail half of a lob worm. The worm should be kept rolling along the bottom of fairly swift water, where the soil is gravelly; and a little time should be given when you feel a bite. In this way not only are large trout often taken in a flood, but sea trout, grilse, and sometimes salmon. A delicate hand is the chief requisite; but much judgment is also required in deciding which pools to fish, and when to shift your ground, according to the rising or falling of the water.

There is a sort of worm-fishing which is very different from the kind just described. The tackle used is much finer, and the method altogether different. For as it is practised in the clearest water and in the hottest weather, it is necessary to take great care not to be seen, and to avoid the slightest possible disturbance of the water. A very small red worm is used on one or two tiny hooks, and the boy who can take good trout in this way is as much a skilled angler as any fly-fisher can claim to be.

Fishing for Roach.—Most boys know what a roach is like, so it will be enough by way of description to say that it is a fish of the carp tribe, of a silvery colour, and covered with scales. Its fins are of a pale, pinkish grey, and its mouth is small and soft, suited best for vegetable food.

The roach grows sometimes to two pounds in weight, but in most rivers one pound is considered large, whilst in ponds the fish seems to deteriorate, and swarms of little roach are generally to be seen, but very few fish of over a quarter of a pound.

In rivers roach should not be killed unless they are seven or eight inches long; but in ponds, where they are very numerous, it is best to keep all that are caught. More food is thus left for the remainder.

The roach spawns in May, and is, therefore, out of condition from the end of April till June or July. It is fattest and most healthy in autumn and winter, and when caught from a clear river will be found fairly good eating. Pond roach taste muddy; but before we bring our fish to table we must learn how to catch it.

The rod should be long, light, and stiff. White cane is best, but is very dear; and the rods now to be had at many tackle-makers for three or four shillings will answer nearly as well. They are of Japanese make, and have no metal on them, which makes them light and cheap, though less durable than the expensive English rods.

For the line, if roach only are expected, nothing is better than good single horse-hair. If there are large carp about, fine gut will be better; but carp do not feed after October. In any case, it will be found convenient to have a few inches of fine plaited silk for that part of the line which is next the rod. The float should be as small as can conveniently be used, and if the fish are very shy, a little rough bit of stick is sometimes preferable. A porcupine quill is generally best, and just enough shot to sink it within a quarter of an inch, or less, of the surface should be put on the line. One of the shot should be placed within six inches of the hook, and the rest about a foot higher. The hook should be of fine wire and about No. 12.